Magnetic Port Locator Assembly for Precise Subcutaneous Target Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face challenges in precisely locating subcutaneous ports, especially in patients with high Body Mass Index (BMI), due to thick tissue and complex geometries, which affects the accuracy of accessing implanted structures like tissue expanders and catheters.
Innovation Solution
A target location assembly with a base, a target magnet housing, and locator magnets positioned with reversed poles, allowing for precise alignment and location of multiple targets without requiring a dedicated magnet for each and without aligning over the physical perimeter of the targets, using a suspending guide and apertures for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional magnet locators with locator holes are used, then magnet location can be achieved, but precise vertical alignment of the magnet and access hole becomes difficult especially for patients with high BMI
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the locator hole from the magnet structure entirely. The locator magnet becomes a solid magnetic element without any holes, eliminating the alignment problem between the hole and access point while maintaining magnetic localization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the magnet align with the access hole through a hole in the magnet, the invention inverts the approach by having the magnet serve solely as a magnetic marker while the housing structure provides the alignment reference through its geometric features.
2Measurement precision
If a dedicated magnet is used for each target, then each target can be located individually, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locator housing serves multiple functions: it houses the locator magnet, provides geometric alignment features through its shape, and acts as the reference structure for locating multiple targets. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate magnets for each target.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the magnet housing structure with the alignment reference system into a single integrated component. The housing both protects the magnet and provides the geometric features needed for precise localization of multiple targets.
3Measurement precision
If magnets are aligned over the physical perimeter of targets, then target location can be detected, but sensitivity decreases in patients with very thick tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention concentrates the magnetic field generation to a small, localized magnet within the housing rather than distributing it over a large area. This localized magnetic source maintains detection sensitivity even through thick tissue by creating a focused magnetic signature.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and concurrent location of multiple subcutaneous targets, improving access accuracy even in thick tissue conditions, facilitating safe and effective medical procedures by aligning apertures with hidden targets using minimal magnetic alignment.
Implementation Method 1
two locator magnets positioned at least partially within the upper housing adjacent each end of the locator housing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide devices, systems, and methods that precisely identify a minimum of one predetermined spot which is hidden under a skin. The system comprises a locator device and corresponding implanted target device. The port locator device preferably comprises one magnet with north and south magnetic pole, a body and a suspending component. The body may utilize specific geometry which improves accuracy. The implanted target device may include at least one magnet and at least one target or a plurality of targets and at least one magnet. Various configurations can be provided that precisely identify a single spot or a plurality of spots which are hidden under a skin.